Rwanda has made good progress in promoting the rights of children, through enacting relevant laws and enforcing them. There are also several initiatives in place to guard against child abuse, including periodic awareness drives and a toll-free line to report child abuse cases. 

Rwanda was also one of the first countries in the world to ratify the Convention to the Rights of the Child.

Yet, despite the efforts and achievements hitherto registered, there are still baffling cases of child abuse in different parts of the country.

One of the latest such incidents was recorded in Kigali where a man allegedly tortured three children, having forcibly driven them from their village in Rwamagana District, over alleged theft. 

The suspect is said to have bundled the children into his car boot and brought them to Kigali without anyone’s knowledge. The suspect is accused of taking matters into his own hands by subjecting the children – aged between nine and 14 years – to unlawful detention as well as physical and emotional abuse. 

Such abuses have long-lasting impact on children and could traumatise them throughout the rest of their lives. That’s why such behaviours must be condemned and abusers brought to account. 

The case also shows that we must always remain vigilant to protect all children against any form of abuse. 

Our culture demands that every adult safeguards children and promotes their welfare. 

Rwandan children are the future of the country and must be protected at all costs.  

Importantly, Rwandans must learn to report and speak out against any abuses, because human rights are everyone’s concern. 

We should all be our brother’s keeper. 

Let’s all join the Police and other authorities in the fight against all forms of child abuse and help promote the wellbeing of all children.